Check out Foster Closet’s new digs this Saturday

If you’re curious about what the Foster Closet of Michigan-Oakland County branch is really all about, or perhaps you want to show support to keep it going, mark your calendar for May 21.

An open house at Foster Closet’s new Farmington Hills location will be held 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. this Saturday, and the public is invited to tour the 1,500 square foot space, stocked with clothes, toys, books and more that make their way to foster kids – for free.

Volunteer director Michelle Austin said operations have settled in quite nicely since outgrowing FCM’s former place about a mile away, where she lives. Now, it’s time to invite the public to come see for themselves.

“The open house is for people to get an understanding of Foster Closet, whether you want to find out how you can support it or maybe people are just curious about what it is and what it looks like,” Austin said.

At the open house, light refreshments will be served and people can stroll around checking everything out. Austin said she’s setting it up as more of a “boutique,” with higher-end items. “That way, kids will really feel important and special when they come here (to shop).”

FCM, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, provides new and like-new items donated for foster children. The kids stop in, by appointment, to browse the shelves and racks – and take home what they want. The Oakland County branch is one of 17 throughout Michigan, all volunteer-run. Many are operated by foster parents themselves, like Austin.

The Farmington Hills location is in Suite 108 of the ExcellaCare building at 20853 Farmington Road, just north of Eight Mile Road. “I am so in love with the new space,” she said. “It’s set up very nicely.”

At the open house, visitors can learn about sponsorship opportunities to help pay the rent, and other ways to support FCM. Austin is thrilled with the community’s answer to her call recently, when she needed a hand with the move. She said approximately 18 volunteers participated.

“I really want to encourage everyone to come out, whether you currently support us, are thinking about it, or have seen the press coverage and are curious,” she said. “We welcome everybody to come out and see what we’re doing.”